Norah is TWO?!

this past weekend we celebrated Norah's 2nd birthday. we kept it really simple, just our immediate family, some pizza, a "purple animal cake" and lots of fun. i'd like to get all the pictures from the party up but it will probably wait until this weekend. her actual birthday is tomorrow, and we're having another (VERY) small celebration tomorrow night. i'm making her favorite dinner (spaghetti) and we're having a little more cake and she's opening her presents from mark and i. i can't wait!

here's a short video from sunday. we all thought it was so funny that she knew to blow out the candles on her own :P

thrifting thursday // v. 9

a couple of weeks ago i dropped off a ton of donations to my favorite local thrift store. when i got there, i noticed that all pink tags and all craft supplies (!!) were half off so i took a look around:

a bag of spools, thread, and jingle bells for christmas ornaments. not sure what i'll use them for but probably not that; vintage seed tin, blue lace nylon elastic, wooden hearts, animal shaped cookie cutouts, scrap fabric

this is the most darling miniature porcelain tea set. i have plans to gift it to norah one day but i think she's too young right now. i don't want this to end up getting broken!

cara box - box swap

kaitlyn over at wifessionals had a great idea for a monthly box swap between bloggers. i'll let her explain:

You will get paired up with another blogger, email back and forth to get to know each other, and will crazily stalk their blog...in the most non-creepy way. Towards the middle of the month you will create a box or package, specifically for the woman you were paired with, and ship it off to her & she will do the same for you.

It's like having a birthday 12 months of the year!

You can participate as much or as little as you choose. Need a pick me up this month? Come and join in! Don't have an extra dollar to spare right now? Come back whenever you want!

Since you are re-paired each month, you can come and go as you please (:

WHY YOU SHOULD PARTICIPATE:

Who doesn't like getting surprises in the mail?

You can meet other great women

You can get encouragement (see below)

Get some blog exposure (see below)

RULES

1// Packages have a $15 limit

2// Make sure your box goes along with the theme. Get creative! Not everything has to be purchased. Get on Pinterest...find something awesome to make!!

3// Include 5+ items per box. Who wants to open a box with one item? Again, creativity!

4// Include a letter of encouragement. After getting to know the woman you are paired with and finding out about her life through her blog, make the effort to include a note of encouragement. This is not optional. It's great to get items that put a smile on your face, but kind words will last in your heart forever.

5// The last day of the month, create a blog post revealing your box and giving a shout out/link up to your match's blog. It's always nice to meet even more friends through the blogosphere.

This sounds like such a fun idea! Especially since this month's theme is "The Best of Fall." Obviously I cannot wait. I feel like she came up with this idea just for me ;) I already signed up, you should too! CLICK HERE and do it!

Thanks Kaitlyn!